2018 Honda CBR250R vs KTM RC 200 – Honda CBR250R and KTM RC200 are currently the best full-faired sport bikes options for riders who are willing for uninterrupted performance under a decent price tag. Honda’s quarter liter sports tourer is here from a long time but it didn’t took a long time for RC 200 to make a name for itself in the Indian market.

2018 Honda CBR250R vs KTM RC 200

# Looks & Style

Both the bikes are from two different worlds, leading into much confusion when choosing a bike based on its design. The track focused RC 200 looks mean, sharp, and more of the sport bike category from its looks. On the other hand, CBR250R is sporty while its tourer friendly nature can be easily guessed from thick seats, higher handlebar and a relaxed design. The single headlight and fairing design has been picked from the VFR1200F while KTM RC 200 resembles the elder 390 series RC.

# Ride & Comfort

If you are more like a touring guy and prefer riding long hours at the weekend, KTM is strictly not a good option for the same. Even if you ride quite good number of kilometers everyday, the lean forward position of the KTM can be tiring and negative on your body. Do prefer a KTM RC 200 if you love track sprints or you can ride the bike without bumps near your location. The CBR250R is an all-rounder here. You can ride it all day as its upright riding position is not so tiring and the bike feels much stable on the highway with its high body weight. CBR250R is even more comfortable for the pillion as there is nothing to hold on the RC 200’s rear seat.

2018 Honda CBR250R vs KTM RC 200

Quick Technical Specification Comparison

The top speed of CBR250R is 5 kmph less than the 140 kmph limit for the RC 200. Honda has mentioned 135 kmph as the top speed for the 2018 model of CBR250R on their official website. But we feel that it can easily touch 145 kmph. But still KTM RC 200 might win when it comes to quick acceleration. The thing which benefits the RC 200 is its sporty riding position, lighter weight and a sport oriented frame under its body. It helps the bike while cornering hard on the track, leaving the CBR250R behind in this case.

Engine & Performance Specs

Dimensions & Weight

2018 Honda CBR250R vs KTM RC 200

CBR250R is a big bike, measuring on the higher side when it comes to length, width and height. It even has longer wheelbase and provides a better seat height of just 784 mm. The KTM RC200 on the other side is narrow and lower in overall height while its seat height is quite high at 820 mm. Short riders may not find it easy touching the ground on the KTM. The CBR250R weighs 164 kg whereas KTM is straight 10 kg lighter at just 154 kg. While being long enough for both, if handling higher weights is difficult for you, KTM may suit you better in this case.

Brakes & Suspension

Frame & Tyres

2018 Honda CBR250R vs KTM RC 200

Ex-showroom Price & Value for Money

The RC 200 comes with premium equipment like front USD forks and dual projector headlights while the provision of optional ABS on the CBR250R makes them special ones among others. You can choose the priority of features and select the one which suits you on more parameters than others. The CBR250R currently retails for INR 1.64 Lakh for the non-ABS and INR 1.94 Lakh for dual channel ABS version. The KTM RC 200 comes with a single variant, priced at INR 1.79 lakh. All prices are ex-showroom Delhi.

Verdict

Honda CBR250R would be an ideal choice if relaxed riding, powerful highway cruising and decent mileage is your first preference. Do consider buying a RC 200 if you love driving at high speeds without compromising on the stability of the motorcycle at the corners. If you have a dream of owning a proper track focused bike, RC 200 is a better option while CBR250R works better as an everyday bike.

Honda CBR250R is Available in 4 Colors in India

KTM RC 200 is Available in 2 Colors in India